Officer pleads guilty to distributing indecent images of children
A Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer has pleaded guilty to making and distributing indecent images of children offences.
PC Adam Merriman, attached to a proactive team covering Barnet, Brent and Harrow, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday (March 8), charged with three counts of making an indecent image of a child, three counts of distributing an indecent image of a child, and resisting arrest.
PC Merriman pleaded guilty to all seven offences and was remanded in custody to next appear at Southwark Crown Court on a date to be confirmed.
The MPS said he was arrested on Thursday (March 7) and later charged.
PC Merriman resigned from the force on Friday.
Chief Superintendent Sara Leach, in charge of policing for the area, said: “I recognise and share the shock and concern this news will cause among our local community and across London. I will be speaking to our partners and community forums to listen to their views in the coming days.
“Investigating officers worked quickly to charge PC Merriman after his arrest for these incredibly serious offences. Misconduct proceedings will now take place as soon as possible.”
The MPS said its Directorate of Professional Standards has been made aware of the case.
In 2017, PC Merriman was acquitted of harassment and assault of a woman known to him, following a trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. An investigation was carried out by the MPS’s Directorate of Professional Standards, which found a case to answer at the level of misconduct.